A Landlord's Guide to Fire Safety

A Landlord’s Guide to Fire Safety

Fire safety isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about protecting your tenants, your property, and ultimately, your peace of mind.

As a landlord, you’re legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent fire risks and ensure your property is safe. This means fitting the correct alarms, keeping escape routes clear, and ensuring any furniture or appliances you provide meet safety standards.

Below, we’ll break down your responsibilities, the latest regulations, and practical steps to keep your property compliant.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Every landlord in England must follow a core set of fire safety rules. These aren’t optional they’re legal requirements.

1. Smoke Alarms

You must install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of your property that’s used as living accommodation.

Smoke alarms should be tested and confirmed as working on the first day of each new tenancy, and you must repair or replace any faulty alarms as soon as you’re told about them.

2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

A carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance, such as a gas boiler, log burner or open fire, except gas cookers.

This became mandatory under the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which continue to apply in 2025.

3. Fire-Safe Furniture and Furnishings

Any furniture or furnishings you supply, including sofas, mattresses, cushions, and curtains  must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations.
Check labels before purchase and keep proof of compliance for your records.

4. Safe Escape Routes

Escape routes must be clear at all times. It’s your responsibility to make sure tenants understand this too, especially in shared homes or Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

5. Electrical and Gas Safety

Although not part of fire regulations directly, both are key to fire prevention.

• Gas Safety: Annual checks by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Electrical Safety: Full inspection and report (EICR) at least once every five years by a qualified electrician.

6. HMOs and Communal Areas

If you let out an HMO or manage flats with shared spaces, you’ll have extra responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This means:

• Fire alarms, extinguishers, and blankets must be properly installed and maintained.
• Fire exits clearly marked and unobstructed.
• Tenants informed of fire evacuation procedures.

Practical Steps to Stay Compliant

Fire safety isn’t a one-off task - it’s an ongoing process. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

1. Test alarms regularly – ideally every three months, or during inspections.
2. Keep clear records – log installation dates, inspection checks, and any replacements.
3. Include fire safety in your inventory – take photos of alarms, fire doors, and labelled furniture at check-in.
4. Book periodic risk assessments – especially for HMOs or properties with communal spaces.
5. Use sealed or “long-life” alarms – reduces the chance of tenant tampering.
6. Provide tenant guidance – a simple leaflet or clause explaining how to test alarms and what to do in case of fire shows due diligence on your part.

Staying Ahead of Regulation Changes

Fire safety laws can evolve, particularly when linked to wider housing or building regulation updates. Always check your local authority’s website for the latest guidance and don’t assume that past compliance still meets current standards.

At Personal Economy Lettings, we make sure landlords are informed and compliant before any issues arise.

Lisa Bailey, Co-Founder of Personal Economy Lettings, says:
“Fire safety is one of those areas where prevention really is better than cure.
Our role is to give landlords peace of mind, making sure every property we manage meets the latest legal standards and keeps tenants safe.”

Final Thoughts

Keeping your property fire-safe doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the regulations, maintaining your alarms, and keeping thorough records, you’ll not only meet your legal obligations but protect what matters most.

Need Some Help?

If you’d like help ensuring your property meets the latest fire safety and compliance standards, contact the team at Personal Economy Lettings.
We’ll handle the checks, documentation, and tenant communication, so you can stay compliant and confident.

Get in touch with us today